At least 21 killed as high-speed trains collide in Adamuz, Spain

A high-speed train derailed and crashed into another late Sunday in Adamuz, in the southern province of Córdoba, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens, local authorities said. The collision occurred at 7:45 p.m. when the rear cars of a privately operated Iryo train traveling to Madrid from Málaga fell onto the opposite track and were struck by an incoming Renfe train bound for Huelva.

Iryo said around 300 passengers were on board; Renfe has not released a passenger count. The accident is the deadliest train crash in Spain since 2013, when 80 people died after a train veered off a curved section of track. Emergency crews continued searching the wreckage early Monday, and officials warned the death toll may rise.

The Andalucía government set up a medical post at the site and Córdoba city issued an urgent appeal for doctors. Paco Carmona, director of Córdoba’s fire brigade, said crews were prioritizing victims still trapped in the two most severely damaged carriages. Spain’s rail infrastructure agency said rail traffic between Madrid and several major southern Andalusian cities would be suspended on Monday.

An independent commission has been launched to investigate the cause.

Key Topics

World, Iryo, Renfe, Adamuz, Córdoba, Málaga